also...

Annoyances unleashed....

Why English dialogue in The Magic Flute didn't work:
The actors had strong Australian accents. And the music is so lovely. German is so appropriate, particularly for the austere references to Freemasons. And then comes the nasal Australian accent.

Don't get me wrong, I know I have one too. But it's just so painful sometimes to listen to. Particularly in classical opera, which was definitely not intended to be tainted with bad accents reciting the dialogue.


Things - I wish people:

* Would stop saying "back in high school..." This is only appropriate for first years in their first two weeks of university. After that, it becomes tedious. And in my opinion, displays immaturity. Only use if it's very important to the story, or event, you are retelling. If it's not, I just don't care whether you were fifteen and a genius, or thought you were. Or whatever. For the record, I loved high school (while I was there). Now, I've moved on - the memories from school I still keep with me, but this is a different part of our lives now. High school is over, get over it.

* Retained their independance. Particularly in relationships. You're not one person. Symbolically, yes, two become one in marriage. But guess what? You're still two people! Shock horror!!

* Had opinions. On all sorts of things. It's ok if you don't support either argument, so long as you're well-informed. And even if you don't want to know about stuff, then to say so, because you have a good reason for it. I'm not saying you need to have an opinion on everything, or can't do things on a whim, but since when have I had a discussion about the US Presidential Race with a muso?!?! (I'd like to have one though. I do love you guys, but seriously, music is important. So too are world issues. They will affect you sometime. Even if minimally.) And even if you don't know much, be at least willing to hear the other side. Sitting on the fence because you have no opinion, becuase you haven't been bothered to find out what they're talking about, because you just can't be bothered because you think it won't affect you (barring things like celebrity gossip), and for that which you actively choose not to bother about, annoys me very much.

* Would sometimes stop pointing out the insanely obvious. (Disclaimer: does not apply for university tutorials, when your tutor asks you questions.) This, too, sometimes may display immaturity. If you point out the obvious, however, and then expand on an idea, this is okay. It shows that you have thought about things, rather than purely opening your mouth for the sake of it.

* Would more often act in a mature manner. This is not to say "Don't have fun" (I'm usually all up for fun....), but to act (at least) one's age. Simple as that.

* Didn't talk or make sounds directly in my ear/s. I have figured out why I hate it so much - I consider my ears to be incredibly important to my life/career/well-being (all them things...) and for somebody to expose them to such sound levels (even if whispering) at such an immediate context puts them in jeopardy (even if small). If I want to go deaf, I'll do it on my terms, thanks. As for whispering in my ear on a very intimate level, you'd be wanting to check with me first...although I'm pretty sure you'll get an indication of whether it's ok for you to do so or not.

* Didn't try to act like somebody or something they aren't. And know that cool kids are those that don't even try. Those who don't have to change depending on what situation they feel they're in, and those that don't have to change because they think people will think differently about them. And especially those that exhibit fullness and consistency of character. Those who take everything life throws at them, with open arms, the good and the bad. Those who don't catch onto trends just because everybody else is doing it. Those with original ideas, those with initiative, and courage. Those who know that life is more than the things you do for yourself, more than the things you own, and more than what other people say about you.
Those are true friends. Those are the ones that deserve and warrant respect.